15 Funny Meditation Memes to Inspire You and Make You Laugh
Updated: Mar. 16, 2022
If you can't clear your mind any longer than it takes to make microwave popcorn, at least you can laugh about it.
Why meditation is important
Take a deep breath and try to quiet your mind. It’s not always easy, but meditation almost always has benefits.
“Contemplative practices such as mindfulness and meditation should be a part of everyone’s health toolbox,” says Joshua Felver, PhD, professor of psychology at Syracuse University and director of the Mind Body Laboratory. “Meditation has been shown to improve physical and mental health and reduce stress.”
Not only does a regular meditation practice reduce your perception of stress and improve your body’s physical response to it but it also retrains your brain to be less reactive in stressful situations, he says. This can help you to manage external stressors better and become less prone to feeling perpetually stressed out.
How to meditate
There’s no one right way to meditate. Start by finding a place where you can be comfortable and free from distractions, including digital ones. Unless you’re using your phone as a meditation tool (say, by running a meditation app on it), it may be best to leave it in a different room so you won’t be tempted to check it.
Then pick a style of meditation. Don’t worry about finding the “perfect” one at first, there are many options. (Here are some free meditation resources to help you figure it out.)
Some people like to focus on their breath while sitting alone in a quiet place, while others prefer a moving meditation, like running or yoga.
People new to meditation may benefit from following a guided meditation on YouTube or using an app. The important part is to find a way that works for you and make it a habit, Felver says.
(Here are more tips on how to meditate if you don’t know where to start.)
You’ll get the most benefits from meditation when you do it regularly. It’s a learned skill, and it takes practice to get good, so don’t feel bad if it doesn’t seem to be working at first, he adds.
Having a sense of humor about meditating can also help you stick with your practice. To help in that regard, we rounded up some of the best meditation memes:
The problem with living in the moment
Meditation can help you learn how to deal with difficult feelings. Cookies may not be as effective, but they are delicious. And sometimes you just need a little comfort food!
(Or for a healthier option, try tapping into your inner child with these 20 things you’re never too old to do.)
Hey, whatever works
Some people compare meditation to a flower blooming, breathing in fresh air, or watching a sunrise. But you have to go with what you know, and for some of us, our brains relate most to Chrome.
(Short on time? Try one of these 8 mini meditations.)
Expectation vs. reality
Meditating is definitely one of those things that sounds easier than it is. All you have to do is sit and not think—how hard could it be? Am I breathing deeply enough? Why does my nose itch? Am I doing this right? Oh, wait…
(If you’re finding meditation to be more frustrating than calming, make sure you’re not making these meditation mistakes that are stressing you out.)
Do you feel like there’s a hole in your life?
Ever feel like you’re just not cut out to meditate? You may be trying the wrong style. There are many different types of meditation—including moving meditations, like hiking—so you can find the kind that works best for you and your brain.
(Taking a walk is one of 10 ways to sneak meditation into your life.)
It’s always the ex
You can be cruising smoothly through the best meditation session ever yet still be derailed by one upsetting thought. And why is it always about an ex? Don’t let them win! Here’s how to stay calm and focused even when your thoughts make it tough.
(Use these 5 tricks to beat boredom and keep your brain engaged.)
It’s a brain lasso
Left unchecked, your brain is like a runaway train. Or lawnmower. Wait, why does that guy have a lasso in the first place? Does this happen often with his yard work? What were we supposed to be thinking about again?
(Check out these 12 things that happen in your body after just 15 minutes of meditation.)
Meditation vs. social media
Meditating and scrolling through your news feed are both things you can do when you have a few minutes of downtime. Yet while they both look like similar mental activities, it’s amazing what different results they produce.
(Check out these 10 negative effects social media has on you.)
It’s a conundrum for sure
It’s the meditation catch-22: You want to be patient and peaceful, but you lack the patience and peace required to get to the state of mind that will help you feel patient and peaceful.
(Here are some tips to help beginners meditate.)
Meditation is … not that
Meditation is about mindfulness and how to incorporate it into your daily life. It’s not just sitting and staring at a blank wall.
(If you’re having a hard time finding that peace, try focusing your attention on one of these 14 magic phrases to instantly calm anxiety.)
That sounds kinda woo-woo
It’s becoming a lot more mainstream these days, but not everyone understands meditation. Too many people still think it’s only for stoner hippies and white ladies in yoga classes. (Here’s why meditation is good for everyone.)
It’s like an invitation for intrusive thoughts
Things you haven’t thought about for years may pop up when you sit down to try to meditate. That’s OK; it doesn’t mean you’re failing! Try taking your meditation outdoors. The ability to inspire mindfulness and bring a sense of peace is just one reason why scientists call nature a “miracle medicine” for your brain.
Everything is fiiiiine
Meditation can help you weather the inevitable storms in your life. You can’t avoid the pain, but there are ways to help you move through it more effectively.
But what does your dog think?
From the outside, meditation looks like a lot of nothing. On the inside, however, big changes are happening. (The real question is: What does your dog think when you sit on the floor, and will it involve treats?)
Is it bedtime yet?
Falling asleep while meditating might be a flaw to some, but we see it as a bonus feature. In fact, some experts recommend using meditation as a way to help insomnia. (CBD oil may also help with insomnia.)
Inner demons, begone!
Everyone has some dark corners in their mind and meditation can help you deal with those feelings. (Hint: Mindfulness is one of the top health tips from life coaches too.)
- Joshua Felver, PhD, professor of psychology at Syracuse University and director of the Mind Body Laboratory
Originally Published: April 01, 2021
